“I found out I had won the scholarship while I was on Erasmus in Edinburgh, and this wonderful news changed my plans. I’m not leaving anymore.”
Giordano Porta is one of the recipients of the “Circle of Donors” scholarships, awarded each year to the top students of the Politecnico di Milano. The €20,000 award supports two years of master’s studies and is made possible thanks to contributions from the University’s Alumni, who are committed to providing financial support to students — and, as in Giordano’s case, helping prevent them from “leaving” for abroad, where the most talented students often find better conditions.
“When I found out I had won the scholarship, I looked back at all the work I had done over the previous months — I had taken so many exams, and being rewarded for that effort made me proud.” Davide Cutrupi, the other recipient, had no intention of leaving the Politecnico — which he describes as a second home — but thanks to the scholarship, he’s now considering doing his thesis abroad to make it even more prestigious. Davide is pursuing a Master’s degree in High Performance Computing Engineering and dreams of working in the nuclear energy sector, on cutting-edge projects involving supercomputing and quantum computers.
Giordano, on the other hand, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Studies. He hopes to open his own practice, focusing on architecture that meets people’s housing needs — including those of less affluent communities — and ideally using materials that do not harm the environment. “What I would also like,” he says, “is for it to be a multidisciplinary studio, involving different professionals. I’d like to create a space — a place — that responds to many of people’s needs.”
How did your families react to the news?
“My parents were very proud of this scholarship. They live in Florence,” Giordano explains, “and in the past I had received the DSU scholarship (Right to University Study), but this one, in terms of pride, has surpassed them all.”
“My parents don’t have a university degree and make many sacrifices every day to allow me to study in Milan,” Davide adds. “I’m from Pescara, and life here in Milan is very expensive. But what I truly appreciate is their moral support, not just the financial one. My passion for computer science, for instance, comes from my father — and if I’m here today, it’s also thanks to them.”
In addition to its financial value, the “Circle of Donors” scholarship offers personal mentoring support to help students achieve specific goals and develop new skills, thanks to the guidance of an experienced professional. The mentoring opportunity was what motivated Giordano to apply for the program. “I hope there’s an architect I can talk to,” he jokes. “But what I really find important is being able to talk with people who have reached significant positions in their careers and ask them for some concrete advice.”
In this regard, how does it feel to know that Politecnico Alumni are behind this scholarship?
“It strikes me that, just as I decided to stay in Milan thanks to the scholarship, there is someone else who believes in us and in the institution where they studied — and continues to do so over time,” says Giordano.
“The fact that there’s a real name behind it makes a different impression, especially if you can meet these people in person. The scholarship reinforces your awareness and gives feedback on your own work,” adds Davide.
In person, Davide and Giordano will have the opportunity to meet the Politecnico Alumni who are part of the Circle of Donors program on November 10. This year’s meeting has a special significance: it celebrates 10 years of the initiative, which today involves 58 Donors who have contributed a total of €704,250 in scholarships. An invisible thread connects multiple generations, united by the awareness that giving back even a part of what one has received from the university helps foster an endless chain not only of generosity but also of shared responsibility.
What message would you like to convey to the Donors?
Giordano speaks about the need to bring two worlds closer together: “People say this is a country without a future. I believe, however, that it is essential to build a bridge between different generations. These bridges are important because they also make it possible to stay in Italy and foster a dialogue that has been lost.”
“I’d like to tell them that what they do is truly important,” Davide adds. “Believing in the new generations today also means believing in Italy, a country where few still give their trust. It’s a gesture that gives young people confidence and conveys the concrete idea that they can make a difference and change the destiny of this country. My dream for the future is to give back to the university as a Donor myself, and to contribute to this country through my future profession. The new generations should not be left alone.”
Vuoi sapere come far parte del Circle of Donors? Scrivici: alumni@polimi.it.
